The Soundtrack of Bo.lan: Thai Funk, Muft Sai & Vernacular Soul
When Bo.lan first opened its doors in 2009, the vision was clear—deep respect for Thai culinary heritage, sustainable sourcing, and a holistic dining experience. But something was missing: the music.
That changed when Greg, former editor of BK Magazine, introduced Chef Dylan Jones to Muft Sai—a DJ and crate digger whose Thai funk compilations became an underground treasure. These were no ordinary tracks; they were vintage Thai songs dubbed over Western grooves, a blend of 60s-70s psychedelia, soul, and molam. Dylan was hooked. Together with Bo, they rushed to “Shade of Retro,” a now-legendary vinyl haven, to secure the soundtrack that would complete the Bo.lan experience.
From that moment, Muft Sai’s Thai funk became fundamental to the Bo.lan atmosphere.
Beyond just background sound, the music tells a story of Thailand—raw, funny, sometimes absurd, always honest. In the lyrics, you'll find snapshots of real Thai life: escaping the police over a card game, battling relentless mosquitoes, love confessions under flickering fluorescent lights, or even cheeky commentary on soaring fuel prices. This playlist became a sonic extension of Bo.lan's philosophy—celebrating Thai culture in its most authentic, unfiltered form.
Many foreign guests at Bo.lan recognize the beat but are surprised to hear Thai lyrics. Locals chuckle at the vernacular phrases and social commentary. It’s playful, nostalgic, and deeply rooted in the everyday rhythm of Thai life—just like the food.
While Bo.lan has yet to curate a full food-themed playlist, the connection between music and mealtime lingers strong. For those curious, you can explore the sounds here:
Watch on Facebook
Listen on YouTube
Or learn more about the movement here: Muft Sai on BLAQ LYTE
At Bo.lan, we believe Thai food is more than taste—it's memory, sound, scent, and story. And this music is part of that story.
When Bo.lan first opened its doors in 2009, the vision was clear—deep respect for Thai culinary heritage, sustainable sourcing, and a holistic dining experience. But something was missing: the music.
That changed when Greg, former editor of BK Magazine, introduced Chef Dylan Jones to Muft Sai—a DJ and crate digger whose Thai funk compilations became an underground treasure. These were no ordinary tracks; they were vintage Thai songs dubbed over Western grooves, a blend of 60s-70s psychedelia, soul, and molam. Dylan was hooked. Together with Bo, they rushed to “Shade of Retro,” a now-legendary vinyl haven, to secure the soundtrack that would complete the Bo.lan experience.
From that moment, Muft Sai’s Thai funk became fundamental to the Bo.lan atmosphere.
Beyond just background sound, the music tells a story of Thailand—raw, funny, sometimes absurd, always honest. In the lyrics, you'll find snapshots of real Thai life: escaping the police over a card game, battling relentless mosquitoes, love confessions under flickering fluorescent lights, or even cheeky commentary on soaring fuel prices. This playlist became a sonic extension of Bo.lan's philosophy—celebrating Thai culture in its most authentic, unfiltered form.
Many foreign guests at Bo.lan recognize the beat but are surprised to hear Thai lyrics. Locals chuckle at the vernacular phrases and social commentary. It’s playful, nostalgic, and deeply rooted in the everyday rhythm of Thai life—just like the food.
While Bo.lan has yet to curate a full food-themed playlist, the connection between music and mealtime lingers strong. For those curious, you can explore the sounds here:
Watch on Facebook
Listen on YouTube
Or learn more about the movement here: Muft Sai on BLAQ LYTE
At Bo.lan, we believe Thai food is more than taste—it's memory, sound, scent, and story. And this music is part of that story.
